The attack lasted seconds
The Attack Lasted Seconds
Quite a modest planet - quietly progressing; troubling no others in the confederacy; surviving well enough and paying its dues; but hardly a mover and shaker in that corner of the galaxy.
That day it all changed.
The ruling committee were in contented mood - agreements reached, cautious plans made, budgets balanced, coffee served. The Chairman made a final announcement:
"Gentlemen, before we close business, I have a little diversion for you. It was brought to my attention by a friend in the Theoretica Abstracta Institute that a young researcher there, in possible contravention of their charter, has made a discovery that might have some practical use. May I introduce Mr. Hari Tempus."
On cue a thin, slightly untidy young man, entered the room; stereotype of the unconnected scientist, but with an air of precocious self confidence. He carried a black metal box which, without asking permission, he placed on the end of the conference table. He looked round the committee briefly, then stated baldly: "I have discovered the laws of Time, and therefore how to adjust it."
"I presume you have in that box a, ahem! time machine" The committee member drew the expected patronising smiles.
"Yes. And rather than explain the theory and laws of Time Space continuum, that you would. probably not understand, I propose to demonstrate it"
The smiles froze. The Chairman said: "Go ahead, Mr Tempus"
The scientist nodded, then pressed a series of buttons on the box. There was a barely detectable tremor in the atmosphere, a flicker of the lights, a pause, then "It is done, Gentlemen"
The Chairman looked momentarily fazed, but in his well practiced urbane manner said:
"Thank you, Mr Tempus. Perhaps you would come back again when you can show show us something more substantial. Good luck in your research"
Hari Tempus raised his hand. "I can do that now Sir. Gentlemen, please check the messages on your telephones" The Chairman gave the nod. The now nettled committee members checked their pockets and brief cases, one by one not finding their phones.
"Perhaps I can help you, gentlemen. Are these your telephones?”
"Now, Mr Tempus! I must protest. What kind of trickery is this?"
"Gentlemen, please watch the recording of the events of the last two minutes"
The committee, with the air of indulging the phantasies of an irritating idiot, glanced at the screen, then gradually became glued to it. In the little drama now replayed, all except Tempus were frozen in immobility, while he proceeded unhurriedly to collect phones from pockets and cases.
The committee sat in stunned silence.
The Chairman looked very thoughtful, then said: "Mr Tempus, would you come to my office? Meeting closed"
These were the seeds of the revolution that would transform their modest planet to become the centre of a large and growing empire. They who controlled time could potentially dominate all in this Universe.
As the master plan advanced they found that control of space/time gave the consequent ability to extend their influence to regions previously barred by unimaginable distances and the time to traverse them.
Their attention reached a solar system in the perimeter of the galaxy, with eight significant planets. The third from the star looked particularly attractive, with plentiful water, air cover, land masses, tolerable climates and a population in the relatively early stages of development.
The now-routine plan was finalised and initiated
The attack lasted seconds.
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